News – Latest News

Industry Leaders Talk Future of Mining at Annual Conference

THE SME Conference in Duluth is generating a lot of discussion about where the mining industry is headed

DULUTH, Minn. – Mining industry leaders are in Duluth this week as part of the 90th annual SME Conference at the DECC. The conference features more than 200 companies showing off the latest trends in mining and plenty of discussion about where the industry is headed. “We truly believe we can mine here, we can keep it local, use our…

Aaron Hernandez Found Dead in Prison

He was found at 3:05 a.m. by corrections officers

Photo: FoxNews.com NEW YORK (FOX5NY) – Aaron Hernandez, the former NFL star found guilty of murder, was found dead of an apparent suicide in his cell in a Massachusetts prison. Hernandez was found hanging in his cell by corrections officers around 3:05 a.m. at the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center, Massachusetts Department of Correction officials said in a statement. He was…

Wisconsin Lawmakers Consider Bill Banning Some Abortions

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Abortions would no longer be covered by health insurance plans for Wisconsin state employees under a Republican-backed bill working its way through the Legislature. But it’s unclear weather the measure up for a hearing Wednesday will win approval this year even with stronger Republican majorities when it failed to pass in 2013. And even if it…

REAL ID Law Getting Closer to Approval

Gov. Dayton Ready to Sign New Bill

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota lawmakers may be close to a deal that would finally put the state in line with federal ID requirements. Republicans and Democrats have been at odds for years over Real ID – an enhanced license that sets security standards for identification at airports or entering a military base. A possible deal opened earlier this session when Democratic…

St. Louis River Alliance Works to Fight Invasive Species

Open House and Panel Focuses on Non-native Phragmites

DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather continues to warm many Northlanders will be focusing on getting in the water or heading out on hikes, so the St. Louis River Alliance is hoping to educate the public about a certain invasive species. They’re hosting an open house and panel discussion to highlight the prevention and control on non-native phragmites in the…

Sugar Gliders Soaring into Northland Homes

Local Breeder Believes Sugar Gliders are Being Sold Without Proper Background Knowledge

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Exotic animals are increasing in popularity across much of the United States. In the Northland, little creatures known as sugar gliders are making way into homes. The market for these furry friends is quite competitive and comes with much responsibility. “They’re like potato chips, you can’t have just one,” said Amy Laessig, Founder, Superior Suggies. In a…

Dozens Attend Vigil To Support Cloquet Police Chief

Chief Steve Stracek Is On Paid Admin. Leave After ‘Vote of No Confidence’ By Officer

CLOQUET, Minn. – A different kind of vigil was held outside Cloquet City Hall Tuesday  that didn’t involve a death. It was instead a community effort to close what some consider a growing divide between the City Council, residents, and the Police Department. This all stems around Police Chief Steve Stracek, who was put on paid administrative leave about a…

Great Outdoors: Gearing Up For Camping Season

Great Outdoors: Local Experts Give Camping Tips

Although it’s been rainy and chilly to start the week, Spring is here and many are gearing up for the camping season. Local outdoor experts spoke with FOX 21 to give some tips on having a successful trip. “As soon as the weather begins to warm up and the days get longer you start thinking about camping,” said Greg Pinther,…

Iron Range Theatre Making Renovations

1912 Opera House is One of Few Remaining Vaudeville Theatres in Minnesota

VIRGINIA, Minn. – A truly historic theatre in Virginia is undergoing major renovations. Virginia’s Lyric Opera House opened in 1912 and remains one of Minnesota’s last remaining vaudeville theatres. “You can feel the creativity,” says Lyric Center for the Arts Executive Director Mary McReynolds. “You can feel the history.” “The sound, the sight lines, the closeness, the intimacy to the…

Mayor Paine and Superior City Councilors Sworn In

Council President and Vice President Also Decided

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Mayor Jim Paine and new city councilors Jenny Van Sickle and Craig Sutherland were sworn in Tuesday at the Superior City Council meeting. Mayor Paine thanked the community for electing him and talked about how he plans to move the city forward. “We have a lot to accomplish together. Our city faces some very real challenges in…

Wrenshall Referendum Fails

$12.5 Million Referendum Does Not Pass

WRENSHALL, Minn. – Wrenshall School District residents voted down a $12.5 million school referendum. The referendum would have funded renovations and an expansion to the school building. Here are the results: Yes – 250 No – 657 After the results were announced, Wrenshall superintendent Kimberly Belcastro released the following statement to Fox 21: “I would like to personally thank all…

Ely Veterans Memorial Vandlized

Police Investigating Incident

Photo courtesy of Ely Echo.ELY, Minn.-A veterans memorial in Ely was been vandalized late Sunday night or early Monday morning. Five crab apple trees planted at the head of the Trezona Trail, were broken and tipped over. The trees were part of a vets memorial there. Police are continuing to investigate the incident. Categories: Crime, News, News – Latest News…

Undergraduate Science Research on Display at UMD

DULUTH, Minn. — Research is the bedrock of science, and science professors and their students put their hard work on display on campus at University of Minnesota Duluth earlier today. All five colleges at UMD are represented, as students present research posters for projects they’ve been working on for months. As part of this type of research, students also write…

Clean Sweep of Downtown Delayed Until Tomorrow

Rain Causes Delay of Clean Sweep

DULUTH, Minn.-Due to weather conditions, the “Clean Sweep” for downtown has been moved to tomorrow, April 19, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. It’s Earth Week and Duluth street sweeping crews will be out in full force. Business and property owners are also encouraged to take part in the spring cleaning. Due to city crews being out, sidewalk debris can be swept…

‘Raise the Roses’ Event Cancelled Today, Moved to April 22

Weather Delays Annual Event

DULUTH, Minn.- The “Raise the Roses” event at Duluth Rose Garden has been cancelled today, due to the recent rainfall, and has been moved to Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. City staff and representatives from the Lake Superior Rose Society will be there to teach volunteers how to tend to roses. Northlanders are encouraged to come to the Rose Garden…

Lawmakers Return After Easter Break

Budget to Bring About Big Discussions

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota lawmakers are returning from a weeklong break with their eyes on the budget. The Legislature was set to resume Tuesday after an Easter vacation put its work on pause. Their return marks the beginning of the rush to agree to a new, two-year budget that will likely exceed $45 billion. But Republicans and Gov. Mark Dayton have…

Facebook Killer Commits Suicide After Police Pursuit

Suspect Was Wanted on Aggravated Murder Charge

CLEVELAND-Pennsylvania State Police say the suspect in the random killing of a Cleveland retiree posted on Facebook has shot and killed himself after a brief pursuit. State police say Steve Stephens was spotted Tuesday morning by state police in Erie County, in the state’s northwest corner. Authorities say police tried to pull Stephens over and, after a brief pursuit, he…

Judge Florey Named to Court of Appeals

Appointed by Gov. Dayton

From Minnesota Judicial Branch WebsiteST. PAUL, Minn.-Gov. Mark Dayton has appointed a new judge to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. The Democratic governor named James Florey to the court’s Eighth Congressional District seat on Tuesday. Florey will take the place of Judge Lawrence Stauber after he retires in late May. Florey has served as a district court judge since 2004….

Northland Pizza Shop Celebrates 63 Years

Northland Uncovered: Sammy's Pizza

DULUTH, Minn. – Picking up a slice can mean a tasty dinner for many Northlanders, but for one family it means carrying on a tradition. This year Sammy’s Pizza Inc. is celebrating 63 years. Sam Perrella is the Vice President for Sammy’s Pizza Inc. and is the third generation working for Sammy’s Pizza. His grandfather started the business in 1954…

Councilor Joel Sipress Kicks Off Re-election Campaign

Sipress is Running For Duluth's 2nd Dist. Seat

Duluth, Minn. — City council president Joel Sipress kicked off his re-election campaign Monday. Sipress is running for re–election to Duluth’s 2nd Dist. seat. Supporters gathered at Sara’s Table to hear the candidate discuss issues he hopes to address in the community. “We’re getting a good, active start,” Sipress said. “We’re going to be working hard and talking with people…

Deer Tags On The Rise In Wisconsin

More Antler-less Deer Tags To Be Issued

Superior, Wis. For 3 consecutive years winters have been relatively warm. Because of the warmer weather the deer population has continued to grow according to Wisconsin department of natural resources. The herd needs to be thinned so the DNR plans to issue 50% more antler-less deer. “We think we’re at a point where we can issue a few of those…

Community Saddened After Popular South Shore Restaurant Burns Down

Pine Cone Ole's has been a staple in the Wisconsin town of Herbster since the 1920s

HERBSTER, Wis. – Pine Cone Ole’s restaurant and bar in Herbster, Wisconsin is being called a total loss after it caught fire early Monday morning. “It was a great little bar restaurant,” said John Powers, who used to be a cook at the staple along Highway 13. “It was a fabulous meeting place for the locals. It’s quite the hit…

Tax Season is Coming to an End

Experts Warn to Get Taxes Done

DULUTH, Minn.- Tax season is ending tomorrow, and if you’re put off doing taxes until the very last minute, you still have time. Taxes can still be filed electronically, or be sent in as long as they are post marked by Tuesday. Whether you’re actually getting your taxes done last minute, or planning on getting an extension, experts say it’s…

UMD Students Teach Grade Schoolers Science

It's an Outreach Program to Help Kids Get Interested in Science

DULUTH, Minn.- Science can be hard for a lot of young students, especially if they’re just learning from a book. That’s why UMD created an outreach program, so that college students could help teach science to grade school students in fun and creative ways. The UMD students work with grade school students a couple times a month to teach them…

Superior to Get New Apartment Development

Apartments Expected to Cost $1,000-$1,200

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The city of Superior is looking at getting some new market-rate apartments, with construction beginning this summer. A new 54-unit apartment building would go at the corner of North 13th Street and Weeks Avenue. The group who will own the property, P and R Twin Ports Properties, is purchasing the property for a little less than $160,000. It…

Temporary Road Closure from Ninth Street East to Sixth Avenue East

Closures Due to Water Main Break

DULUTH, Minn.-There will be a temporary closure at the east bound lane of Ninth Street at the intersection at Sixth Avenue East, beginning tomorrow. “This closure will allow for the patching of the pavement due to a prior water main break,” the city of Duluth said in a press release. “The west bound lane will remain open to traffic.” The…

Pine Cone Ole’s Burns Down in Herbster

The Cause of the Fire Hasn't Been Determined

BAYFIELD, Wis.- Authorities are investigating a fire that has destroyed Pine Cone Ole’s in Herbster. The fire broke out around 4:30 a.m. Monday. Five different agencies responded to the fire. “The building is a total loss,” the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “The cause of the fire has not been determined as of yet.” We have a…

Duluth Parks to Receive Sixty New Recycling Bins

Bins will be Donated to the City of Duluth by Keep America Beautiful and Dr. Pepper Snapple Park Bin Grant Program

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is moving one step closer to become a more eco-friendly City! Recycling will soon be easier thanks to a grant from the Keep America Beautiful program and the Dr. Pepper Snapple Park Bin grant program. Sixty new recycling bins will be placed in 17 parks across the City. The City of Duluth was…

Medical Experts Bring History to Life

Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums Displays Medical Miracles

DULUTH, Minn. – History is coming to life at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum in Duluth. The exhibit currently on display shows medical discoveries throughout the years, including an original sample that first confirmed penicillin defeating bacteria. There are manuscripts and artifacts connected with Benjamin Franklin, Christian Bernard, Bernard Crick, Albert Schweitzer, and Dorothea Dix. Next week local experts will be…

Wildfire Week Sparks Awareness from Minnesota DNR

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is Looking to Bring Awareness of Wildfire Danger April 16-22

DULUTH, Minn. (DNR) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is raising wildfire awareness throughout the week of April 16-22. The DNR is asking Minnesotans to be thoughtful when it comes to using fire, and how they are using it. Many wildfires occur during the spring due to dry vegetation. Experts say this material can quickly catch fire between the…

Doctor Provided Oxycodone for Prince under Friend’s Name

Officials: Dr. Michael Todd Schulenberg Prescribed Oxycodone to Prince, Under Friend's Name "For Privacy Reasons"

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A court document says a doctor prescribed oxycodone for Prince under the name of the musician’s friend to protect his privacy. Prince was 57 when he was found alone and unresponsive in an elevator at his Paisley Park home on April 21. Autopsy results showed he died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl, a synthetic drug 50…

Families Celebrate Easter at the Zoo

DULUTH, Minn.- Families across the Northland celebrated Easter Sunday in special ways, but some families wanted to do something a little different, and the Lake Superior Zoo helped them do just that. Many families were at the zoo to see both real life animals and the Easter Bunny, and to have a quick meal at the zoo’s first Easter Brunch in…

Duluth Duplex Fire Under Investigation

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth fire marshal is investigating an overnight fire at a vacant two-story duplex that left behind at least $35,000 in damage. Officials say the flames broke out around 4 a.m. Easter morning on the 200-block of East 3rd Street. Twenty firefighters responded and remained on scene for three hours. The cause of the fire was not…

Families Spend Easter Playing Golf

Courses Are Open About Two Weeks Earlier Than Usual

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The warm spring Easter day had Northlanders outdoors taking in the holiday and even taking a swing. It was a great day to be outside and a lot of families used the beautiful weather to play their first round of golf for the season. Many courses, like Nemadji Golf Club in Superior, are now open for business….

Medical Marijuana Will Soon Be Legal In North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Medical marijuana will soon be legal in North Dakota. Legislators approved a regulatory plan last week after voters approved the drug last fall. The state health department is aiming to have a system operating in a year, with registered patients able to get the drug from eight state-approved dispensaries. Two state-approved manufacturers will make it. There…

A Year On, Few Answers From Probe Into Prince’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Nearly a year after Prince died from an accidental drug overdose in his suburban Minneapolis studio and estate, investigators still don’t know how he got the fentanyl that killed him. An official with knowledge of the investigation told The Associated Press that authorities still haven’t interviewed a key associate who was with Prince in his final days,…

Community Members Stand Behind Message: Local Needs Matter

DULUTH, Minn.- Community members and local organizations like Veterans for Peace, Grandmothers for Peace, and Socialist Action joined forces to send out a message to legislators: Local Needs Matter. “The leadership in Washington in particular, does not understand the things that we value as a community. The things that are important to us as individuals and as community members,” said…

Technology In Nature

Hartley Nature Center Issues A Challenge

DULUTH, Minn. – In an effort to get more community involvement in the outdoors, the Hartley Nature Center is issuing a challenge to four local communities. Not everybody can walk up to a tree and know exactly what they’re looking at “This right here is a White Pine.” Wouldn’t it be nice to know what you were looking at? Did…

An Egg-splosion of Easter Fun in Lincoln Park

The Event Has Been Going on for 4 Years

DULUTH, Minn.- Families decorated eggs and watched them Egg-splode at the 4th Annual Lincoln park Egg-splosion. It’s an event where people learned unique egg dyeing techniques like tie-dying or marbling, and then launch the eggs into a field with a wrist rocket. “We wanted something that would appeal to both boys and girls, and our thought was, who doesn’t want…

Breakfast With The Easter Bunny

The Depot Hosts Dozens Of Families

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids started celebrating Easter by having breakfast with a certain bunny. Dozens of families turned out for the 5th annual breakfast with the Easter bunny at the Depot. Not only was plenty of food on the menu, but also face paintings an Easter egg hunt egg dying and much more. Officials say breakfast with the bunny is…

Man Arrested on Gun Charge

Levi Miller was Convicted in 2015 for Firing a Gun into a Crowd

DULUTH, Minn. – A man convicted of shooting into a crowd nearly two years ago is in trouble with the law again. On Friday, the St. Louis County Attorney charged 21 year-old Levi Miller with being a felon in possession of a firearm and receiving stolen property. In September 2015, Miller was convicted of 2nd degree assault for firing several…

Kennedy Announces Council Bid

Planning Commissioner Lost Council Race in 2015

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s another candidate vying for one of the Duluth City Council’s two at-large seats. Duluth Planning Commissioner Janet Kennedy officially announced she’s running Friday. Kennedy ran for the district 5 seat in 2015, but lost the election to Councilor Jay Fosle. A kickoff event is planned for Sunday, April 23rd at 1:30 p.m. at Civic Center Park…

WLSSD Compost Site Open For Yard Waste

DULUTH, Minn. -As temperatures get warmer, it’s time for people to get back into their yards and start cleaning up old leaves and brush. It is illegal to burn yard waste within the city limits of Duluth; it’s also illegal to throw these materials in the garbage. The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) will take your yard waste and…